Buy Bitcoin in France

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eToroeToro

eToro is a trading platform and crypto exchange. It supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Zcash and many other coins.

Deposits can be made quickly via bank transfer, SEPA, NETELLER, PayPal and more. It also offers unique features like copy trading.

Crypto investing is offered by eToro (Europe) Ltd as a DASP, registered with the AMF. Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile. No consumer protection.

Visit eToro's Website

Pros
  • Offers unique copy trading feature
  • Trusted exchange that has been active in traditional finance
  • Interface is clean and easy to use
Cons
  • You cannot deposit cryptocurrency, but you can deposit with other payment methods
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Ease of Use
Easy
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Average
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Fees
Low
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Reputation
Trusted
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Limits
High

BitpandaBitpanda

Bitpanda is a Bitcoin broker based in Europe, with support for France.

They have high payment limits and low fees across their wide range of payment methods.

Bitpanda offers French customers the option to buy bitcoins with credit card, debit card, SOFORT, Skrill, NETELLER, giropay, eps, SEPA, and Online Bank Transfer.

Get 50€ in Bitcoin once you trade 400€ in first two weeks.

Visit Bitpanda's Website

Pros
  • Some of the lowest fees for buying bitcoins with credit/debit card
  • Reliable and trusted broker
Cons
  • Fees aren't shown openly on the site but instead included in the buying price
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Ease of Use
Easy
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Fast
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Fees
Low
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Reputation
Trusted
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Limits
High

BitstampBitstamp

Bitstamp is one of the world's largest and most well-known Bitcoin & crypto exchanges. Deposits can be made through bank transfer, SEPA transfer, international bank wire, and now even credit cards.

Pros
  • One of the longest-running Bitcoin exchanges
  • Very low 0.25% fee, falling to 0.1% with sufficient trading volume
  • Offers wide range of altcoins
Cons
  • High 8% fee on small credit card purchases, falling to 5% with sufficient trading volume
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Ease of Use
Hard
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Slow
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Fees
Average
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Reputation
Trusted
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Limits
High

CoinbaseCoinbase

Coinbase is the world's largest Bitcoin (BTC) broker. They represent an easy and fast way for new users to purchase bitcoins. Coinbase supports customers in over 30 countries, including the United States, Europe, UK, Singapore, and Canada.

Customers in the above-mentioned countries can purchase bitcoins by debit card, bank transfer, SEPA transfer, and more.

Get $5 in free bitcoin after you sign up on Coinbase and make your first trade. Visit Coinbase's Website

Pros
  • High liquidity and buying limits
  • Easy way for newcomers to get bitcoins
  • "Instant Buy" option available with debit card
Cons
  • Purchases made with bank transfer can take up to 5 days to complete
  • Coinbase may track how and where you spend your bitcoins
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Ease of Use
Easy
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Average
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Fees
Average
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Reputation
Trusted
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Limits
High

KriptomatKriptomat

Kriptomat is a Bitcoin & crypto exchange based in Europe. It offers quick verification and the ability to buy bitcoin, ether, litecoin and other coins. Buyers can get coins using a credit card, debit card, SEPA, Skrill, Sofort and other payment methods.

Pros
  • Available in 23 languages
  • Quick verification process
Cons
  • Limited payment methods
  • Only supports EU countries
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Ease of Use
Easy
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Average
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Fees
Low
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Reputation
Trusted
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Limits
High

BityBity

Bity is a Bitcoin exchange and ATM operator, based in Switzerland. Their 5 ATMs allow for a quick first purchase and only require phone verification for an initial buy limit of 1,000 EUR or CHF. Their online service accepts wire transfers, SOFORT and online bank transfers.

Pros
  • Easy to start buying bitcoins after mobile phone verification
  • Payment limit of up to €100,000 annually after intensive verification
Cons
  • ID verification is required for most purchases, so not a private way to buy
  • Low annual limit of only €4,000 without intensive verification
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Ease of Use
Average
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Fast
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Fees
Low
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Reputation
Trusted
limits icon
Limits
High

Bitcoin ATMsBitcoin ATMs

You can use our Bitcoin ATM map to buy bitcoins with cash. Bitcoin ATMs can be a quick and easy way to buy bitcoins and they're also private. That convenience and privacy, however, comes with a price; most ATMs have fees of 5-10%. View Bitcoin ATMs

Pros
  • Our map makes it super easy to find a Bitcoin ATM near you
Cons
  • Bitcoin ATMs often have 5-10% fees per purchase

BitfinexBitfinex

Hong Kong-based Bitfinex has long been one of the largest USD Bitcoin exchanges in the world. Bitfinex accounts may be funded by bank wire only, their fee on accepting such transfers is low at only 0.1%.

In August 2016, however, it was hacked and lost around 30% of its users funds. While Bitfinex can be helpful for buying large amounts of bitcoins, it is probably best to not use the exchange until it fully compensates affected users.

Pros
  • Very low fees even for low volume buyers; 0.1% for market makers and 0.2% for market takers
  • One of the best ways to buy large amounts of bitcoins
  • Allows lending of fiat or bitcoin to margin traders at interest (but this is risky in light of the hack)
  • Very deep liquidity promotes a price close to fair market rate
  • Supports several altcoins
Cons
  • Was recently hacked and has yet to fully compensate all users for their loss
  • Geared towards traders; possibly quite confusing for first time buyers
  • Single payment option
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Ease of Use
Hard
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Privacy
Low
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Speed
Varies
fees icon
Fees
Average
reputation icon
Reputation
Low Trust
limits icon
Limits
High

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Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency Trading in France


A court case in 2020 laid the ground work for cryptocurrency to be treated as currency in France.(2)

While France is a very crypto positive environment, recent statements by Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire note a cautious pullback. Le Maire wants a review of the crypto tax rules, has stated concern about crypto mining energy consumption, and the potential of blockchain technology to usurp the role of France’s fiat currency, the euro. However, Le Maire has also said, “We want France to be the European hub of the crypto asset ecosystem.”(3)

Keep reading to learn more about Bitcoin in France and how you can get started in bitcoin.

Bitcoin was first created in 2008 and gained traction slowly for the first few years. Once it started getting big, people from all over the world were involved in the mining, exchanging, and purchasing of Bitcoins.

In 2019, the French government allowed Bitcoin to be accepted as a form of currency.


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Thanks to the integration between Bitcoin software and point-of-sale software, it's now easy to pay for physical merchandise with cryptocurrency. Because of this, it's expected that Bitcoin will continue to gain popularity in France. Those who already have it will finally be able to use it and those who don't have any can look into getting some.

Where to Get Bitcoin in France

If you're interested in getting Bitcoins, let's look into a few of the ways you can do that in France.

One of the easiest ways to buy Bitcoin in France is through cryptocurrency exchanges. There are several exchanges offering Bitcoin in France, allowing you to select one based on your requirements and preferences using our guide. Different exchanges have different transaction fees, withdrawal limits, payment modes, and verification processes that need to be kept in mind before users select one.

Additionally, Bitcoin buyers need to keep in mind that certain exchanges might require you to get a wallet of your own before being able to buy the digital currency. Even if there is no requirement, it is recommended to have a wallet of your own for security reasons (preferably a hardware wallet).

Another way to buy Bitcoins in France is through automated teller machines (ATMs). These ATMs allow users to instantly purchase and sell cryptocurrency using cash, however most of them require at least a phone number, so they aren't totally private.


bitcoin in france


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Exchange Hacks and Crypto Scams in France


Twenty-Five Percent of Financial Fraud Cases Involved Crypto

Marielle Cohen-Branche, of France's national financial markets authority (AMF), released a report for 2021 stating that 25% of suspected financial fraud cases reviewed by the organization involved crypto. This was a large increase over the 6% reported in 2020. The AMF warned French crypto investors that they should use registered providers or they may be left without protection from fraud.(4)

In order to avoid scams, individuals should always use reputable exchanges like those listed above for investing in bitcoin.

Kylian Mbappé Impersonation

In March of 2020, a cryptocurrency investing fund scam put out advertisements with French Soccer player Kylian Mbappé's image that attributed fabricated quotes from him endorsing the company.

More specifically, the quotes attributed to Mbappé claimed that the algorithms used to trade investor money were so good they could make you a millionaire in a couple of months and the big banks were scared of this company.

Of course, Mbappé never made any of these claims, and this company doesn't invest any of the money given to them by customers. Instead they are likely running a ponzi scheme.(5)


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FAQ


Does Coinbase work in France?

Citizens of Spain can convert, buy, and sell cryptocurrencies with fiat. Supported payment methods are:

  • Bank Deposit
  • PayPal
  • 3D Secure Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Credit Card

Where Can I Find a Bitcoin ATM in France?

You can use our Bitcoin ATM finder tool to find the one nearest you.

What is the price of Bitcoin in France?

Bitcoin prices are changing every second.

The best way to find the most up-to-date price of Bitcoin is to check out our Bitcoin price page.

Is Bitcoin Legal in France?

As of now, Bitcoin is legal in France. The French government recognizes its use in some forms. However, banks and financial institutions might have restrictions. Users are required stay updated on the latest regulations.

Is Bitcoin taxed in France?

Yes, Bitcoin is taxed in France. Capital gains from Bitcoin sales are subject to taxation in France. The French tax authorities classify them as movable property. Reporting obligations apply to individuals and businesses, so be sure to check with a professional.

Are there bitcoin conferences in France?

Indeed, France hosts multiple Bitcoin conferences annually. It used to host the main Bitcoin Magazine conference. Paris, as a major European hub, often witnesses these gatherings. Professionals, enthusiasts, and startups frequently participate, sharing the latest Bitcoin insights and software developments.

Article Sources

BuyBitcoinWorldWide writers are subject-matter experts and base their articles on firsthand information, like interviews with experts, white papers or original studies and experience. We also use trusted research and studies from other well-known sources. You can learn more about our editorial guidelines.

  1. Wikipedia - France, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France
  2. DLA Piper - French court decision on the legal nature of bitcoin in the spotlight, https://www.dlapiper.com/en/insights/publications/2020/10/finance-and-markets-global-insight-issue-19-2020/french-court-decision-on-the-legal-nature-of-bitcoin-in-the-spotlight
  3. Council of the European Union - Digital finance: agreement reached on European crypto-assets regulation (MiCA), https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/06/30/digital-finance-agreement-reached-on-european-crypto-assets-regulation-mica/
  4. Yahoo - One-Quarter of French Financial Scams Involve Crypto, Ombudsman Says, https://www.yahoo.com/video/one-quarter-french-financial-scams-151548310.html
  5. First Sportz - Kylian Mbappe was once frauded in this ‘Cryptocurrency’ scam, https://firstsportz.com/football-news-kylian-mbappe-was-once-frauded-in-this-cryptocurrency-scam/

About the Author

jordan tuwiner

Jordan Tuwiner is the founder of BuyBitcoinWorldwide.com. He studied computer science at Towson University and holds an online degree in trading & cryptocurrency. Jordan has been writing about Bitcoin since 2015. His work has been featured in The Guardian, International Business Times, Forbes, VentureBeat, CoinDesk and many other top Bitcoin media outlets.



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